Intricate Stepwell Near Jaipur

Stepwells are wells or deep ponds in which the water is reached by descending a set of steps. Stepwells were at one time quite common in north-west India (Rajasthan and Gujarat) and adjoining areas of Pakistan, where water is scarce. Although the main purpose of these stepwells was easy access to water, some of the wells also had multilevel rooms, usually going right up to the bottom of the well, to provide relief to the rich and royals from daytime heat, and these rooms and the associated buildings were provided with significant architectural decorations.

One of the most intricate, deepest and largest stepwells in India, called Chand Baori (or Baoli/Baodi, meaning stepwell), is located in the village of Abhaneri near Bandikui, Rajasthan.

Unfortunately, many tourists who visit Jaipur and Agra are unaware of it or do not visit this intricate stepwell, although it is just 95 km from Jaipur and about 8 km off the main Jaipur-Agra Highway. Even in India, not many are aware of this architectural marvel.

Built in 10th century the well is 30 meters deep, has 13 landings and 3,500 steps. The unusual and intricate pattern of steps allows simultaneous easy access to large number of persons to the water.

Abhaneri Stepwell was the locale of the 2005 Indian movie "Paheli" (meaning Puzzle) and also for the 2006 English movie "The Fall". This image from the movie "The Fall" shows a remarkable view of the steps.

Image from Google Maps' Photos is by AZONE entertainment

Image from Google Maps' Photos is by Aravind S

Image from Wikimedia Commons is by Doron

Image from Flickr is by Dixie Lawrence

Image from Google Maps' Photos is by Nikhil Yadav

View location in Google Maps

More info at Wikipedia

Edit Note July 01.2020
Dead links/defunct photos removed and new photos added.